Exclusive: Rio Ferdinand Excited By Future England Stars

Rio Ferdinand gives RWD Football a few of his tips for the future...

Before Rio headed out to Rio for the second half of his World Cup punditry run, we grabbed a word with the 81 cap former Manchester United man to hear his thoughts on the emerging England stars he’s most excited by.

England’s limp performance and elimination from the World Cup has sparked inquisition amongst fans and media alike – who or what can change the all too predictable fate of the Three Lions? We wanted to get a few words from the Manchester United and Premier League legend on just which English born players he thinks are going to make their mark on the international game.

With the old guard of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole seemingly bowing out of international competition and hopefully ushering in a whole new generation of English players, Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for some of the new blood, including some of the youth players he saw up close in his time at Manchester United, “Talent wise, Ravel Morrison’s talent has never been called into question, it’s all about him getting it all right in the right package.”

Rio was empathic in his praise of a few of United’s young stars, with the likes of attacking midfielder and Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Jesse Lingard earning especially high praise from the legendary centre back, “Lingard is another great player, I think if he is coached and embraced in the right way, he could be a ridiculous player.”

21 year-old defender Michael Keane and Everton’s Ross Barkley were also praised by Rio and hailed as English talent to look out for, “Michael Keane of Manchester United, Ross Barkley as well, Fantastic talent.”

With two years before Euro 2016, there is hope in the England set up and there are still players for us to consider for that all important international call-up and with Rio’s tips for the future, things can surely only get better.

What happened when Rio Ferdinand put the gloves on and met UFC’s Brad Pickett? Check out Rio’s EA SPORTS UFC Training Camp on YouTube. EA SPORTS UFC is OUT NOW on Xbox One and PS4. #FeelTheFight